"But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.“ Acts 28:22

Church is criticized

Human side - often make mistakes = Sin Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira Corinth - false apostles, family problems Diotrephes - 3 Jn. 9

1. The Church has a Divine Side

Planned - purpose = To save mankindEph. 3:11 “eternal purpose”

Jesus came to earth for this purposeLk. 19:19 “to seek and to save”Heb. 2:9 “taste death for every man”

Built His ChurchMatt. 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

It is not a denomination- Denomination = denominational name, faith

The church is not a part or section of something- In 1st century all taught and practiced the same- No denominations in the Bible

Gospel does not create denominations

1. The Church has a Divine Side

2. The Moral and Ethical Standards of the Church

Therefore "COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPARATE, SAYS THE LORD."

2 Cor. 6:17

Different from the World

We are children of God

Church = “The called out ones”

Our Language “But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall

speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.” Matt. 12:36-37

Where We Go “abstain from all appearance of evil” 1 Thess. 5:22

2. The Moral and Ethical Standards of the Church

Sanctity of life - Many abortions - Murder is wrong. “Thou shalt not kill” Rom. 13:9

Our Thinking - Not like the world filled with evil, filth - Phil. 4:8 “Think on these things” True, honest, just,

pure, lovely, good report - Prov. 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”

2. The Moral and Ethical Standards of the Church

Scripturally Organized4 Elders5 Deacons

Worship is ScripturalJn. 4:24

SingingPrayingGivingLord’s SupperPreaching / Teaching

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Unity prevails Rom. 14:19 “follow after the things which make

for peace” Eph. 4:2-3 “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ps. 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is

for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

Educational Program Members with Talents Friendly Congregation Great Young People Support Each Other

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Keith Kasarjian - Kenya, India, Cambodia

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Thomas Lazardo - Philippines

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Vladimir Paziy - Ukraine

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Ukraine Preacher Training School

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Halls Harbor Rd. church of Christ – Outer Banks, NC

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Mitchell Floyd – Floyd church of Christ

Roger Hazelwood – Rich Creek church of Christ

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Whiteville church of Christ – Whiteville, NC

Church of Christ Disaster Relief

Radford church of Christ Food Pantry

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Women’s Resource Center

Several who are able and willing

Need more people involved

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

We are often too quick to point out the flaws of the church.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Phil. 3:13-14

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

- Get involved in work of church

- Don’t be a pew warmer

3. What’s Right With This Congregation

Congregation

Individual

GOD’S SIMPLE PLAN FOR SALVATION

hearbelieve

repentconfess

baptismACTS 3:22

JN. 8:24

LK. 13:3

JN. 12:42

Acts 2:38Rev. 2:10